Software issues could delay Waterloo ION LRT

The Region of Waterloo has suggested that the ION light rail transit project could face future delays due to software issues with the vehicles to be used on the line.

According to an article from the Waterloo Region Record, the project faces new delays as a result of issues with the core operating software used to run the trains.

The Region of Waterloo signed a 14-train, $92.4-million deal with Bombardier in July of 2013. The original vehicle schedule delivery stated that the first vehicle for the line was to be delivered in 2016, with all of the vehicles delivered in time for a late 2017 opening of the LRT system. However, at this point, the community has only received one train, a non-functional unit required to test size requirements for the light rail system’s storage facility.

Regional councillor Tom Galloway, a member of the community’s rapid transit steering committee, suggested that spring of 2018 is still a hopeful target, but with current delays with the testing and functionality of the vehicles, there may be a need to push that deadline or begin service with a reduced fleet.